CDX vs. HEQT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CDX (Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF) and HEQT (Simplify Hedged Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CDX is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Simplify, while HEQT is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by Simplify. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CDX returned 7.96%/yr vs 12.95%/yr for HEQT. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CDX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for HEQT.

Performance

CDX vs. HEQT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CDX achieves a -1.51% return, which is significantly lower than HEQT's 4.02% return.

CDX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: -1.51%
• 6M: -1.29%
• 1Y: -1.35%
• 3Y*: 7.96%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HEQT

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 4.02%
• 6M: 3.76%
• 1Y: 13.00%
• 3Y*: 12.95%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CDX vs. HEQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CDX Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF	-1.51%	9.51%	7.71%	12.74%	-8.26%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	4.02%	10.08%	18.30%	16.61%	-3.40%

Correlation

The correlation between CDX and HEQT is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2022	0.41

The correlation between CDX and HEQT shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (1 year) to 0.41 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CDX vs. HEQT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CDX

CDX Risk / Return Rank: 6
CDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
CDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
CDX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

HEQT

HEQT Risk / Return Rank: 63
HEQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
HEQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
HEQT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
HEQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
HEQT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CDX vs. HEQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CDX	HEQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.23	1.97	-2.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.29	2.77	-3.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.40	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.32	2.56	-2.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.71	11.59	-12.30

CDX vs. HEQT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CDX Sharpe Ratio is -0.23, which is lower than the HEQT Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CDX and HEQT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CDX vs. HEQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CDX drawdown since its inception was -13.24%, which is greater than HEQT's maximum drawdown of -11.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CDX and HEQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	CDX	HEQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.24%	-11.51%	-1.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.18%	-5.09%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.88%	-10.57%	+1.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.53%	-1.12%	-5.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.36%	-2.77%	-1.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	1.12%	+0.78%

Volatility

CDX vs. HEQT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF (CDX) is 1.58%, while Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) has a volatility of 2.06%. This indicates that CDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HEQT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CDX	HEQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.58%	2.06%	-0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.83%	5.49%	-0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.78%	6.64%	-0.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.05%	8.47%	+2.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.05%	8.47%	+2.58%

CDX vs. HEQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

CDX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than HEQT's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

CDX vs. HEQT - Dividend Comparison

CDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.29%, more than HEQT's 1.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CDX Simplify High Yield PLUS Credit Hedge ETF	8.29%	7.18%	12.60%	5.26%	7.51%	0.00%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	1.20%	1.19%	1.29%	4.10%	3.94%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CDX and HEQT in my portfolio?

CDX and HEQT have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CDX or HEQT?

HEQT has higher volatility (2.06%) compared to CDX (1.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CDX dropped -13.24% vs HEQT's -11.51%.

Which ETF is better, CDX or HEQT?

On 3-year performance, HEQT leads with 12.95% vs 7.96% for CDX. On fees, CDX is cheaper at 0.26% per year. On volatility, CDX has been the lower-risk option at 1.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CDX or HEQT?

Over the 3-year period, HEQT has performed better with a 12.95% return vs 7.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CDX or HEQT?

CDX is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for HEQT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CDX or HEQT?

CDX has the higher dividend yield at 8.29%, compared with 1.20% for HEQT.

What is the main difference between CDX and HEQT?

CDX is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while HEQT is Equity Hedged. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for CDX and 0.43% for HEQT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs -0.23), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.